Alkegen Empowers Electric Vehicle Safety with New Aerogels
In a significant move for the electric vehicle (EV) sector, Alkegen, a global leader in cell spacers, has officially launched the commercial production of its innovative
AlkeGel™. This fiber-reinforced aerogel insulation is specifically designed for fire protection in lithium-ion batteries, marking a pivotal advancement in the field of EV safety and thermal management.
Expanding Product Offerings for OEMs
Alkegen is positioning itself strategically within the rapidly expanding EV market by introducing a comprehensive range of advanced thermal and electrical insulation materials. This new product line aims to provide original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) with seamless insulation solutions that are optimized for performance, design flexibility, and scalable manufacturing. CEO John Dandolph stated, "We have scaled a platform that has already proven itself in the industry for one of the fastest-growing markets in the world - EV battery safety. OEMs are no longer reliant on a single supplier in North America for this critical solution."
The Spotlight on AlkeGel™
At the heart of Alkegen's expansion is
AlkeGel™, a next-generation high-performance fiber aerogel composite developed to meet OEM demands for an ultra-thin, safe, and easy-to-install thermal barrier for lithium-ion battery systems. Unlike traditional aerogels, AlkeGel™ is designed to be low-dust, eliminating the need for full encapsulation and allowing for simplified, more cost-effective component designs. This feature significantly enhances the feasibility of integrating the aerogel into space-restricted EV battery packs, making it a game-changer for manufacturers.
Advantages of the New Aerogel
Chad Cannan, Chief Technology Officer at Alkegen, emphasized the importance of reliability and scalability in partnerships within the automotive industry. "With AlkeGel™, manufacturers now have a significantly superior option. It has proven to be markedly less dusty than traditional aerogel insulations, making it easier to handle, safer to work with, and better suited for complex part geometries."
By incorporating aerogels into its offerings, Alkegen reinforces its status as a leader in cell spacer technology, unveiling a full insulation portfolio that includes sheaths and thermal barriers. This allows EV manufacturers the flexibility to tailor materials to their specific applications, fostering innovation and safety across the industry.
Meeting Industry Demand
Marty Melhorn, President of Battery Pack and Advanced Mobility, remarked, "The EV industry has been waiting for a credible second source for battery fire protection aerogel insulation in North America. AlkeGel™ is here, we are producing at scale - and this is just the beginning of our journey."
Key Highlights
- - Initiated full commercial production of AlkeGel™ for EV batteries focused on thermal spread protection.
- - The low-dust design simplifies handling processes, removing the need for encapsulation and thus reducing integration time.
- - Global presence with strategic production sites in North America and Europe, expanding accessibility for OEMs.
- - Comprehensive insulation portfolio catering to EV platforms, including cell compression pads, sheaths, and thermal barriers.
Alkegen's move not only joins the growing demand for advanced materials in the EV sector but also represents a commitment to enhancing the safety, performance, and design innovation for electric vehicles. With AlkeGel™, the future of EV safety is set to evolve significantly.
For more details about AlkeGel™, visit
alkegel.com and for more information about Alkegen, head to
alkegen.com.